Breakfast With The Stars - February 2007
Once again local race-caller Colin McNiff failed to nominate the winner in his phantom call of the Hobart Cup at the annual “Breakfast With The Stars” in the lead-up to the Hobart Cup. And on a “wet track” as he called it, his call was about 14 secs slower that the actual race on a fast track, but it was an enthralling call any way, and who’s timing him anyway?
Melbourne punter and racing journalist, Dr Turf and local trainer and racing identity, Gary White held the crowd spellbound with tales tall and true from the track. My favourite from Dr Turf involved the legendary trainer Bart Cummings, who when told by a health official inspecting his stables told him that he had too many flies, replied “well, how many can I have?”.
Gary White also gave the crowd an insight into the Hobart Cup and tales from the steward’s room.
Breakfast With The Stars - February 2006
The Tasmanian Branch added another event to their prestigious Barassi Debate and International Cricket breakfasts with a breakfast at Elwick Racecourse in the lead up to the Hobart Cup.
The first foray into the sport of kings was another huge success with guests entertained and enthralled by the musings and often outrageous utterances of Tasmanian race caller and sporting commentator, Colin McNiff, former “The Fat” panellist and now 3AW personality, “Dr Turf” and former champion jockey-turned leading trainer, Gary White.
Colin McNiff also provide a brilliant phantom call of the Hobart Cup for the benefit of a cup sweep that left us wishing he had called the eventual winner rather than a horse trained by Gary White (especially for those of us who backed said nag as an “omen” bet in the Cup).